Zero Waste Team

ZERO WASTE TEAM

What is Zero Waste? It is a lifestyle, philosophy, movement, and solution Iowa State University is on a mission to reduce consumption, minimize waste, and to become a zero waste campus by maximize recycling. It is a process aiming to eliminate keeping at least 85% of its waste out rather than manage waste. Not only is zero waste of the landfill by 2025. Our approach about recycling and diversion from the landfill but it in managing waste is the promotion streamlines production and distribution systems to of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle model, prevent waste from being produced in the first place. which is vital in achieving our goal. Who is the Zero Waste Team? The zero waste team is a volunteer-based group put In the last fiscal year, campus together by Facilities Planning and Management generated 6,137 tons of waste out of (FPM) Recycling Services comprised of faculty, which we diverted 4,112 tons (through staff, and students who are passionate about the recycling, materials donated/sold, university’s zero waste efforts. composted, and refuse derived fuel) which amounted to 67% of waste The team will serve as advocates for the zero diverted from the landfill. waste program across campus to engage peers and colleagues in their respective departments and buildings. They will also help volunteer during athletic events to educate fans. Why a Zero Waste Team? The zero waste team plays a key role in supporting the university’s zero waste goal of achieving at least 85% diversion from the landfill by year 2025. The team position is strategic in bringing awareness to reduction of waste generation, encouraging reuse of materials as much as possible, and ensuring materials that should be recycled do not end up in the landfill.

For more information about zero waste team members Ayodeji Oluwalana and their responsibilities visit our recycling website. Recycling and Special Events Coordinator [email protected] 515-509-9785